Flood Warning Issued for Chehalis River in Thurston and Grays Harbor Counties

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Seattle, WA has issued a Flood Warning for the Chehalis River above Grand Mound. The alert was issued on March 13 and remains in effect until the afternoon of March 15.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts Thurston and Grays Harbor counties in Washington. Areas of concern include the Chehalis River above Grand Mound and the Independence Valley region.

What You Should Do

Motorists are urged to follow the safety mantra: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Do not attempt to drive around barricades or navigate cars through flooded areas. Residents should monitor local conditions and stay informed via official weather updates.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is forecast for the region. As of 3:00 PM PDT on Friday, the river stage was recorded at 139.3 feet. The river is expected to rise above the flood stage of 141.0 feet on Saturday morning, reaching a predicted crest of 141.7 feet by Saturday afternoon.

At the 141.0-foot level, floodwaters are expected to cover several roads in Independence Valley, specifically James Road, Independence Road, and Moon Road. Nearby farm lands are also expected to be inundated.

Timeline

• Onset: Saturday morning, March 14.
• Peak: Crest of 141.7 feet expected Saturday afternoon.
• Recession: The river is forecast to fall below flood stage on Sunday morning.
• Expiration: The warning is currently set to expire at 4:57 PM PDT on Sunday, March 15.